Key Takeaways:
- Aston Villa are currently scouting Ligue 1 goalkeepers Robin Risser and Guillaume Restes as possible replacements for Emiliano Martinez
- Martinez remains under contract until 2029, yet may depart the club at the end of the season
- Robin Risser has impressed at Lens, while Guillaume Restes of Toulouse is considered a more attainable target
Villa Prepare for Possible Martinez Exit
Amid ongoing transfer speculation, Aston Villa have begun a search for potential successors to Argentina international Emiliano Martinez. Although Martinez is contracted to Villa Park until 2029, reports suggest he could move on upon completion of the current season.
🚨 Pour succéder à Emiliano Martinez 🇦🇷, Aston Villa cible 2 gardiens de Ligue 1 🧤 :
🇫🇷 Robin Risser
🇫🇷 Guillaume Restes🗞️ @footmercato pic.twitter.com/JjjPtFW1cs
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) May 11, 2026
Ligue 1 Goalkeepers on the Radar
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Villa have identified two promising talents from Ligue 1 as options to fill the potential void left by Martinez. Robin Risser, who joined Lens from Strasbourg for a nominal fee last summer, has delivered an impressive debut campaign at the Stade Bollaert. His performances have put him in contention for a call-up to the French national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and he has reportedly attracted significant interest from the Premier League.
Alongside Risser, Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes – a France youth international – has also come under consideration. Foot Mercato suggests that, with Risser set to feature in the UEFA Champions League for Lens next season, Restes could prove to be a more realistic acquisition for the Birmingham outfit.
Comparative Overview
| Player | Current Club | Nationality | Notable Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Risser | RC Lens | French | Impressive debut season; linked with France call-up; UEFA Champions League football next season |
| Guillaume Restes | Toulouse FC | French | France youth international; considered more attainable by Aston Villa |
Looking Ahead
With Emiliano Martinez’s future at Aston Villa uncertain despite his contract running until 2029, the club have initiated preliminary steps to secure a high-calibre replacement. Both Robin Risser and Guillaume Restes are being carefully evaluated, with further developments anticipated as the transfer window approaches.
